Shloka 2.104.6
भरतस्य प्रार्थना—रामस्य धर्मोपदेशः (Bharata’s Petition and Rama’s Dharma-Reasoning)
स्त्रिया नियुक्तः कैकेय्या मम मात्रा परन्तप।चकार सा महत्पापमिदमात्मयशोहरम्।।।।
striyā niyuktaḥ kaikeyyā mama mātrā parantapa |
cakāra sā mahat pāpam idam ātma-yaśo-haram ||
O Rama, scorcher of enemies—my mother Kaikeyi, provoked by a woman, has committed this great sin, one that destroys her own good name.
O Rama, tormentor of enemies! having been instigated by a woman, my motherKaikeyi, committed this great sin of destroying his (Dasaratha's) reputation.
Dharma includes guarding one’s conduct and reputation (yaśas) through righteous choices; wrongdoing—especially caused by harmful counsel—brings moral stain and social dishonor.
Bharata is speaking to Rāma during his appeal for Rāma’s return, condemning the chain of counsel that led Kaikeyī to demand the exile and the kingdom.
Bharata’s integrity and moral clarity: he refuses to normalize injustice and openly names the act as pāpa (sin).